Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 60, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 March 1910 — The Beat Man. [ARTICLE]

The Beat Man.

Do you know how “the best man,” who plays so important a part In marriages that have any pretense to De fashionable, once upon a time in Sweden occupied a position that was useful as well as ornamental? In olden days the Swedish bridegroom found it desirable, in fact, to have several "best men” to defend him from the assaults of rivals and prevent them from carrying away his bride. The Scandinavian warrior of ancient times was far too lofty in hlB ideas to condescend to plead for a maiden’s hand. So he patiently waited until same other man who was more gallant had obtained the fair one’s consent. Then when all the details had been nicely arranged the proud warrior, with a body of well trained retainers, dashed down on the wedding party and, if strong enough, carried away the bride. The “best men” (and it was very essential that they should be the best men in those days) therefore became necessary fixtures to marriage ceremonies, and they were so well esteemed and their popularity became so permanent that that when the reason for their existence was In course of time removed they were still retained. —Pearson’s Weekly.